DISCOVER AUDIO AND MUSIC PROGRAMMING AT THE NaAC
We offer two main music and audio programming streams: Community Classes and the NaAC Music Ensemble. If you are new to our music and audio programming, we encourage you to try Community Classes as a first step. Community Classes are designed to introduce artists to new ways of working in music and audio through project-based workshops.
There are no prerequisites to joining, and no need to be a registered NaAC artist. The most important thing is to demonstrate an interest in trying out audio and music arts. Community Classes are open to all interested participants for a registration fee.
Community Classes
Community Classes respond to the reality that many current or prospective musicians with developmental disabilities have little prior exposure or experience with music education. Our Community Classes focus on specific ways of making and are developed in response to expressed interest from the NaAC artist community.
NaAC Music Ensemble
Ensemble artists have expressed interest in furthering their audio and music skills, and often participate in large-scale projects similar to Robot Revelations. Artists in the Ensemble will examine and refine their individualized approach to music creation while the NaAC provides the tools, space, and guidance to create and explore new works. Artists can join after participating in Community Classes.
ARE YOU A VISUAL ARTIST? DISCOVER OUR VISUAL ARTS STUDIO
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have the music programs been running at the NaAC?
We launched the first music program, sound.colLAB, in 2020. Since then, the NaAC has offered multiple music programs and worked with many artists to achieve their music goals.
What kinds of music programs do you offer?
The NaAC offers two music programming streams: Community Classes & the NaAC Music Ensemble. However, we are always looking for ways to incorporate more music offerings!
What is the difference between the music ensemble and community classes?
The main difference between Community Classes and the NaAC Music Ensemble is in the approach to the programming. We encourage new artists to take their first step into NaAC Music Programming through our Community Classes.
NaAC Community Classes are usually 8 to 12-week programs that introduce artists to new ways of audio and music-making through activity-based learning and project-based outcomes. For example, Community Classes can focus on learning new skills, like DJing, or experimenting with new musical expressions, like songwriting. Participants are still encouraged to express their creativity freely, and workshop facilitators will help along the way. Community Classes are open to community members, and each Community Class requires a registration fee.
The NaAC Music Ensemble consists of a group of NaAC registered artists that work on specific long-term projects, attend weekly studio sessions, embrace experimentation, and focus on individualized ways of making. Ensemble members and project facilitators often work, problem-solve, and create together peer-to-peer.
Do I have to be a registered NaAC artist to participate in any music programming?
Community classes are open for participants of all abilities, whether registered at the NaAC or not. The NaAC Music Ensemble is currently reserved for NaAC artists, but external artists may be invited to join. Please get in touch with us for more details!
I am interested in making music, but do I need a background in music to join the programs?
Not at all. We are trying to make music more accessible, and we work to accommodate everyone’s needs and experience levels. If you have a background in music, we will help you take your skills to the next level. If you are brand new to music, you can try multiple ways of making at the NaAC while we focus on your personal preferences and desires.
What can I expect from the music programs?
Our programming focuses on activity and practice-based learning. We are open to any music or audio art attendees are interested in making. Whether that is rock, pop, country, metal, experimental music, sound art, field recordings, you name it.
What musical instruments or devices do you use?
We want music to be accessible, inclusive, and fun. Traditional instruments are often not accessible (specifically for people with reduced mobility) and can take a long time to learn. For that reason, we have been focusing on digital devices. We use iPads, computers and electronic controllers that allow artists of all abilities to make music.
Do you offer instrument lessons?
We recognize that accessible or user-specific music lessons are hard to come by. Although learning a traditional instrument can take a long time, we also understand that playing a musical instrument can be very rewarding. For this reason, we are not against offering “real instrument” classes (or acoustic instruments such as guitar, piano, drums, bass, etc.), but our institution is not quite there yet. We are working towards growing our music department and would love to offer instrument lessons in the future.
I have an idea for a song. Can you help me make it?
Of course! We can focus on realizing your song through any of our Community Classes. Check out our new programs for upcoming offers!